The variables in biota_stations.csv describe the biota monitoring stations used to construct the National Performance Framework Clean Seas Indicator 2015.

region
Description: assessment region
Unit:
Type: categorical
Levels: 4
Note: the regions are the Scottish component of the biogeographic regions used for Charting Progress 2 and for UK MSFD reporting purposes; there are 5 regions in Scottish waters, but the Atlantic North-West Approaches is too difficult to sample and is not used in the Clean Seas Indicator

station
Description: station identifier
Unit:
Type: categorical
Levels: 91
Note:

latitude
Description: station latitude
Unit: decimal degrees
Type: continuous
Range: 54.75, 61.1
Note: these are nominal positions: sampling occurs in a pre-defined area centred on this position.

longitude
Description: station longitude
Unit: decimal degrees
Type: continuous
Range: -7.05, 1.2
Note: these are nominal positions: sampling occurs in a pre-defined area centred on this position.

MSTAT
Description: station type
Unit:
Type: categorical
Levels: B, RH, I
Note:
B = baseline stations in remote areas subject only to diffuse inputs of contaminants
RH = representative stations broadly representative of contaminant levels in the region
I = impacted stations located close to a point source

WLTYP
Description: stratum typography
Unit:
Type: categorical
Levels: Estuary, Coast, Open Sea
Note:
Estuary = WFD transitional water
Coast = WFD coastal water
Open Sea = marine water (stratum not covered by WFD)